Fall hunting season is several months away, but the state Department of Environmental Conservation is looking for input now from waterfowl hunters as wildlife managers seek to set season dates.

DEC created hunter task forces to get specific recommendations for duck and goose hunting season dates for various zones across the state.

Each task force includes representatives from the New York State Conservation Council, established waterfowl hunting organizations and individual waterfowl hunters.

The task forces will meet this spring to recommend season dates for the coming year that best satisfy the diverse interests of the waterfowling community.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which has jurisdiction over migratory waterfowl hunting, will set season dates by early June. Therefore waterfowl hunter task forces will meet in late February and March to come up with their recommendations. Duck and goose hunters who want their voices heard need to submit their input no later than Feb. 22.

For more information, Southern Zone residents can contact task force member Randy Holden at (607) 739-6735 or (607) 742-9886, or by email at rholdenIII@stny.rr.com. You can also contact DEC waterfowl staffer Jim Eckler at (315) 365-2134 or james.eckler@dec.ny.gov.

For general information about waterfowl hunting in New York state, go to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28175.html.

Pheasant program seeks volunteers

DEC is looking for volunteers to take part in the day-old pheasant chick program.

Chicks are available at no cost to participants who are able to provide a brooding facility, a covered outdoor rearing pen, and an adequate release site. Approved applicants will receive the day-old chicks in April, May, or June.

All release sites must be approved in advance by DEC and must be open for public pheasant hunting opportunities. No chicks obtained through the program can be released on private shooting preserves. The program is funded through the State Conservation Fund from license fees paid by hunters, trappers, and anglers.

Applications must be filed with a DEC regional wildlife manager by March 25. Southern Tier residents should contact the Region 8 office in Avon at (585) 226-5380. More information is also available online at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7271.html.

Ice fishing precautions

Ice fishing enthusiasts have been waiting patiently for cold weather to arrive, but if you do plan on hitting the hard water, DEC wants you to be extra careful.

Ice began forming late this year and is not as thick as it typically would be in February. Recent warm temperatures and rain have further deteriorated ice conditions, DEC said. Anyone planning to recreate on ice covered ponds and lakes should take the following precautions:

The use of motor vehicles on ice is strongly discourage until the ice thickens.

Use caution when moving from ice to shore and from shore to ice.

Check ice thickness near shore before going further out on the ice.

Avoid areas around inlets, outlets, boathouses, docks and any open water.

Be prepared to self-rescue — carry spikes, flotation devices and a throw line.

Wear traction devices on your feet as there is no snow on the ice surface.

For more information about ice fishing safety, go to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7733.html.

Trout Unlimited banquet

The Catharine Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold its 29th annual banquet starting at 5:30 p.m. March 12 at the Horseheads Elks Club on Prospect Hill Road.

The event is open to the public. The cost of the banquet is $40 per person and free for students up to the age of 15 who attend with an adult. This year's banquet will feature an early bird raffle for a custom bamboo fly rod, with custom wood case, fly reel and line.

To learn more and to purchase tickets, you can contact Jim Palmer at (607) 425-6136, or by email at jpalmer8@stny.rr.com.

Reach Jeff Murray at 271-8251 or jmurray@stargazette.com. Follow Jeff online at stargazette.com/outdoornotebook, and on Twitter @SGJeffMurray.